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In January 2009, the publication of an updated vancomycin monitoring guideline gave clinicians a set of recommendations on: 1) timing of monitoring, 2) optimal trough concentration, 3) dosing to achieve optimal trough concentrations, 4) loading doses for complicated infections, 5) criteria for monitoring, and 6) frequency of monitoring.
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The concept of abandoning the use of whole blood in favor of packed cells for the treatment of hypovolemia in obstetric hemorrhage should be questioned in view of this study's suggestion of a lower rate of acute tubular necrosis in patients treated with whole blood.
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In this paper, Krahn et al, from a Canadian consortium, report on the results of systematic evaluations in patients with unexplained cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
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This study showed that cleaning a stethoscope with an ethanol-based foam hand cleaner is as effective as wiping it with an isopropyl alcohol pad.
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In order to reduce the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in intensive care units, Northwestern Memorial Hospital implemented patient-care bundles in all ICUs in August 2005.
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Studies on the effects of pomegranate juice on CYP-mediated drug metabolism have yielded inconsistent results, but this recently published case report raises the specter of interaction between the juice and warfarin, a drug whose narrow therapeutic window and potential for significant complications are well known.
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This novel, large randomized controlled trial of 808 Indian children with acute dysentery, ranging in age from 6 to 59 months, assigned each subject to one of three arms of treatment for 14 days using a base of standard oral hydration formula for each group: placebo having no additives, zinc 20 mg/5 mL supplementation, or zinc 20 mg/5 mL plus copper 2 mg/5 mL supplementation.
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A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that "perfect" empathy with patients results in a better immune response, reduction of symptoms, and faster recovery from a common cold.